It was somewhat fitting that Mick Malthouse’s first win as Carlton coach came against a side he led to a pair of premierships many moons ago.
But the veteran tactician won’t be celebrating the Blues’ 12.17 (89) to 7.23 (65) victory over West Coast at Patersons Stadium any differently to the majority of home and away triumphs he’s had over a coaching career spanning nearly 30 years.
Carlton opened their 2013 campaign with consecutive defeats to Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong, but bounced back in fine style against the Eagles.
The visitors broke the game open with a six-goal burst during the second and third quarters and survived a strong challenge from the highly fancied home side.
Despite it being his first win with Carlton, and against a side with which he has so much history, Malthouse was keeping a lid on the celebrations.
“I don’t want to make it a special event, because it’s not,” Malthouse said.
“It’s just simply round four against a side that I’ve coached (and) loved.
“It was just a very good win against a competent opponent who people have touted as being a top-four (side).
“We needed to get four points. It’s good to have a ‘W’ next to your name now but it’s about the process.”
Defender-turned-forward Chris Yarran put in a dazzling display against West Coast with four goals, three of which came during a sizzling second term.
Yarran collected the ball outside the 50m arc and bounced his way to goal each time, aided by the superb shepherding exploits of fellow Swan Districts products Jeff Garlett and Dennis Armfield.
Yarran had just 14 disposals but was still one of the most damaging players on the ground.
“I thought Chris played very, very well and I reckon the other forwards were pretty good, too,” Malthouse said.
“We didn’t kick a big score but they all played a role because West Coast do create a fair bit off their half-back line.
“They chopped us up a bit off their kick-offs so we need to address a few things.
“But by and large you’d say that we finished in front in certain areas that we needed to.”
Yarran and Garlett, in particular, managed to expose the Eagles for pace around goals and Malthouse said he would soon be able to add more speed to the forward line when Eddie Betts he returns from injury.
“I’d like to think that within a month we’ll have Betts in there as well and that should cause some further headaches and damage the opposition,” Malthouse said.
“It’s a wonderful weapon, so long as that work ethic is there all the time.
“You don’t pick and choose that sort of stuff.”
